Architecture Engineering and Its Impact On Cost

Plumbing Design

Why bother with spending time and money on plans when that money could be used toward constructing a building? This may be a thought that enters your mind and rightfully so. However, when potentially making the largest investment of a lifetime in a structure, having good plans may save you a financial embarrassment or even a disaster.

What does a good plumbing design entail?

1. A water demand – this is the amount of water that a building needs to supply its periodical water needs.
2. A water supply plan, a sanitary waste plan, a water harvesting plan.
3. Pipe sizes for hot water, cold water, vents and distances of vents from fixtures.
4. An adequately sized pump and water heater based on hot and cold water demands.
5. Adherence to international design and safety standards.

Advantages of having your plumbing construction documents professionally designed:

1. It protects the interest of the owner, the investment of financial institutions and as a result the well-being of economy. Investing in improperly done work devalues the investment. This will become very important as investments are foreclosed upon or professionally appraised for resale.
2. It allows the owner’s preferences to be communicated to the contractor through legal instruments.
3. It saves time and money during the build process by eliminating “figuring it out in the field”.
4. It allows for accurate cost estimates to be done.
5. It adheres to a professional standard for safe electrical practices.
6. It ensures that all electrical contractors deliver a professional level of work.
7. It removes the complexity of the task before construction takes place.

Dangers of not having a professional plumbing design done:

1. You run the risk of contaminating your potable water through back siphonage.
2. Legionella – a respiratory disease that could be contracted through your plumbing system if it is not properly designed.
3. Scalding – this can occur through your hot water system in a matter of 2.6 seconds or less, depending on the temperature that you are exposed to. This is especially important when dealing with the elderly, young or disabled individuals and anyone who may have slower reaction times to changes in temperature.